Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are needed by the body but not produced in your system. The term essential fatty acids comprises all the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The crucial ones are EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA Docosahexaenoic acid) which are primarily found in certain fish and  ALA (alpha-linolenic acid, is found in plant sources. Only two fatty acids are known to be essential for humans: alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). ALA Alpha linolenic acid is abundant in flax seed and is present in small quantities in walnut, soybean and canola oil. It is mostly found in the chloroplast of green leafy vegetables. EPA Fish and fish oil are the richest sources of this fatty acid with contents ranging from 39 % to 50 % for both fresh and salt water fish. EPA is a parent of series 3 eicosanoid hormones. DHA It is present in fish oil and red brown algae. It is a major brain omega-3 fatty acid and is also found in eye ball (retina). Brain is made up of about 65 % fat and out of this 50 % is DHA. That is why most of the infant formulas contain DHA for brain development. Taking an essential fatty acid supplement is a simple but effective way to improve both your physical and mental health. Plus, it may reduce your risk of disease. You can find omega-3 supplements,flax seed oils and supplement including vegan varieties at CUREKA under essential fatty acids category that include supplements specially chosen and curated by doctors.... Read more..